Launched in 1922 as a stylish reinterpretation of the original Cartier Tank that we all know and love, the Cartier Chinoise features a subtly altered case design that utilizes two overlapping bars that sit atop the dial. As such, the Tank’s typically restrained lug design is made more prominent – a design choice inspired by the architectural lines of a Chinese temple portico. This is derived from the appeal that Far Eastern exotica had on design during the 1920s due to just how unique and splendid it was compared to the West’s typical aesthetics. As is often the case with Cartier, they reintroduced the Tank Chinoise decades after it was originally produced as a throwback to their original designs. As part of the Cartier Privé collection, which is dedicated to reissuing classic designs, Cartier launched the WGTA0075 in 2022 as a limited edition of just 150 pieces. Made of 18kt rose gold and featuring a stunning silver sunburst dial, the WGTA0075 combines the Chinoise’s original blueprint with some modern inspiration in the form of its elongated case that wears how a modern Cartier collector would come to expect a Tank would wear.

Standing at the crossroads between Chinese inspiration and French design, the Cartier Tank Chinoise shows the breadth of Cartier's talents as a designer, and the unique ways in which they can instil luxury into the watches they create.